2008 UEFA under-19 Championships Day 3: England eliminated despite win

Kieran Gibbs- England 3 Greece 0

Kieran played the whole game as England  were eliminated from the tournament as a result of Italy’s victory over the Czech Republic despite a 3-0 win over last year’s beaten finalists Greece.

Going into the final group game, Kieran Gibbs’ England side knew they had to better Italy’s result against Czech Republic to qualify from Group B. As an added incentive, a place in next year’s FIFA u-20 World Cup was also up for grabs should they finish in the top three of the group. The first half saw last summer’s runners-up Greece dominate proceedings with England struggling to create many attacking opportunities. Kieran was quiet in the opening period. News filtered through that Italy had taken the lead against Czech Republic through Poli but the Italian’s joy was shortlived when the in-form Tomas Necid grabbed his third goal of the tournament just 60 seconds later. England, meanwhile, went into the dressing room at half-time having hardly imposed themselves on the game in the first 45 minutes.

But just three minutes after the interval, Benjamin Mee gave England the lead. At long long last, Brian Eastick’s side had scored their first goal of the tournament but would they be able to hold the lead until the end?

Things took a turn for the worse when Italy regained the lead against the Czechs through Bonaventura, but like the first goal, it was cancelled out soon afterwards, this time from Jan Movarek.

England were concentrating on their own game though and doubled their advantage when Freddie Sears scored from the penalty spot after Sturridge was brought down in the area.

Twenty minutes to go and with their own result seemingly secure, all England could do is just play out the game and hope that the Czech Republic could hold Italy.

But then just two minutes later Alberto Paloschi struck for Italy to make it 3-2. If the result stayed the same it would render England’s victory irrelevant in terms of qualification. Soon after their goal though the Italians were reduced to ten men when Mazzarani was shown red.

Then Poli scored for Italy to make it 4-2, meaning England would be heading out regardless of their result.

Sturridge added a third five minutes from time to secure the win, but it hardly mattered. England were heading home.

The Czechs offered Brian Eastick’s side a glimmer of hope when Moravek scored four minutes from time and the classy midfielder nearly scored the winner in injury time but instead drove his effort just wide.

England have been knocked out but they can take heart from today’s performance and as a consolation prize their third place finish means qualification for next summer’s FIFA under-20 World Cup.